Councilmen urge care in word choice

Thursday, February 16, 2017

To the Editor:

In the Monday, Feb. 13 edition of The Banner Graphic, a headline touted “Eight illegal aliens in custody following Saturday traffic stop.” We encourage the Banner Graphic to avoid using such hurtful language in the future.

Regardless of your political leanings, human beings are not “illegal.” They may, in fact, conduct acts that are illegal, but that does not constitute a change in their identification. We don’t call others who are accused of crimes “illegal.”

Greencastle strives to be a diverse community that welcomes people from all backgrounds. In today’s heightened political climate and at a time when many people fear violence based on their identities, the Banner Graphic and all of us would do well to extend our sympathies regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability or veteran status.

In the future, the Banner Graphic should use the term “undocumented resident” when referring to individuals living in the United States without an official legal status.